Tag Archives: smartphone accessories

Leaked screen shot of what is allegedly Samsung's answer to Apple's iWatch

With smear campaigns and even legal drama, Apple and Samsung have been at war for some time now. And with a new Samsung phone accessory in development, we know exactly where the next battle will be fought.

According to Bloomberg, the company is working on a smart watch that could rival the iWatch, a new Apple accessory that's also reportedly in development. And the potential for cut-throat competition between the two companies is already a hot topic, with the Wall Street Journal calling this their "next battleground" and 9to5Mac quipping "the smart watch race is on."

One of the alleged screen shots of Samsung's upcoming smart watch hints at features and a Galaxy name

Samsung has actually confirmed they're working on this fun gadget, but they haven't really revealed anything about it. Still, there's speculation that it may be marketed as part of Samsung's Galaxy line. "One would think that a product like this would fall under the Galaxy naming scheme and be called something like the “Galaxy Watch,” writes MobileSyrup.

Meanwhile, leaked screen shots obtained by Slashgear that puportedly show the device back that assumption up, with a view of the watch face displaying the name Samsung Galaxy Altius.

Even though we don't know much yet about the upcoming device, if we judge by existing smart watches, like the Pebble or Sony's SmartWatch, we can make a few assumptions.

Samsung's smart watch will most likely be a bluetooth-enabled accessory that allows you to view updates and notifications from your phone, and will probably also include features like an actual clock, a calendar and music player.

Beyond that, it's hard to say. But since the smart watch market is looking a lot like an arms race these days, it's likely that this next Samsung phone accessory surpasses the Samsung-compatible Sony SmartWatch in terms of features. In any case, it'll have to, if Samsung wants to stand a chance in its next bout with Apple.

Music lovers and active types rejoice! There's finally a phone case designed with you in mind, and it's Pure Mobile's accessory of the week. iLuv's SmashBox Pro is a portable speaker case that protects your phone while acting like a mini stereo.

And while we've reviewed both portable speakers and phone cases on the Pure Mobile blog before, we've never seen an accessory that quite so perfect a hybrid between the two.

Back in the old days, when you went out jogging, hiking or cycling, you took along a discman (remember those?) or a walkman (geez, you've got to be old if you know what that is.) But portable music is all about smartphones these days, which is great. We can almost hear Gandalf voice in your heads, saying "one device to rule them all, and in the darkness bind them."

But your phone is pretty fragile, at least for a mountainside hike or the constant impact of a hearty jog. And though you can always listen with headphones, earbuds do tend to pop out when you're active. So the idea behind the SmashBox Pro is to let you listen with speakers, while protecting your phone inside a totally enveloped zip case.

It's designed so it can be fastened to your backpack or even to the handlebars of your bike. And where you go, your music goes with you, thanks to exterior controls that not only let you play and pause your tracks but also answer and end calls.

As for sound quality, the general consensus from reviewers is that the sound is big and clear, much better than you'd expect from a set of speakers that's so compact. Meanwhile, the case is ultra-protective and secures your phone in place to keep it from jostling around.

It's also designed to fit almost every phone model, from all incarnations of the iPhone, to Samsung devices like the Galaxy S3, BlackBerry handsets and pretty much any other model you can think of. And thanks to the fact that it's powered by AA batteries, it won't unnecessarily draw power away from your device.

And though you obviously won't be able to use the SmashBox Pro as a case for your tablet or laptop, its speakers are still compatible with those devices too, so you won't really need any additional portable speakers. But we still love it best for high-quality on-the-go sound for when you're out and about or peeling around on your bike.

Griffin just unveiled its latest accessories, like the PowerDock 5, at CES in Las Vegas

We're smack in the middle of the Consumer Electronics Show, which is a pretty big deal for us at Pure Mobile. That's because the annual CES event is basically the biggest event around for anyone interested in the newest and best in mobile technologies, like the latest in phones and accessories.

It's where most of the major names in mobile, like Samsung, Nokia and HTC choose to reveal new smartphones and other gadgets, and where it's we get the scoop on the best new accessories.

This year's CES is still going on in in Las Vegas, and already we've seen some cool stuff for from one of our favorite accessories makers, Griffin. The company's already well known for its iPhone, iPad and iPod accessories, like tough cases and the like. And CES 2013 has seen the launch of even more Apple accessories from the company.

Among Griffin's newest offerings is the PowerDock 5, a USB docking station for iPhone, iPad and iPod that works on what Engadget calls a "toast-rack" design and can charge multiple devices at once with a capacity of up to 5 iPads at once. Pretty cool for households with more than a couple of people, or for really geared up techies.

But Griffin has as just as big of a reputation for audio, and they're living up to it this year with the launch of new audio accessories like an updated Lightning version of their iPad StudioConnect, as well as a new Mic Stand Mount "that works like a traditional microphone performance stand," says 9to5Mac, but for iPad. Oh yeah, and they've also introduced a new studio-quality XLR to 3.5mm recording mic for iPhone and iPad, but it won't be available til June

But for some people, protection doesn't mean much unless it looks good. Sure, some may dig the utilitarian charm of a rugged case. But there are others still who'd prefer a much less macho look, a case that says high-end cool, a case with a little glamour and a fashionable edge, but that does the job nonethless.

And that's exactly what you get from today's mobile accessory of the week. Versatile as ever, leading mobile accessories label Griffin has come out with a line of ultra cool iPhone 5 cases under the banner of their Moxy collection.

With an edge and style worthy of a spot in even the best fashionista's wardrobe, Grffin's Moxy cases come in a trendy range of colors, textures and patterns, adding some serious designer appeal to your iPhone 5.

In the case of the Moxy line, you get a smooth rubber-finish lining that protects your iPhone from scratches and smudges, along with a tough polycarbonate shell around the back and edges for impact resistance.

So even though Griffin's iPhone 5 Moxy cases stand up to the rest of your wardrobe in terms of cool, they're also hard to beat in terms of functionality, protection and performance.

Christmas is coming faster than you can say "a partridge in a pear tree," and for most of us that means decking our homes, ourselves, and yes, eve our phones, in the colors of the season.

If you love your smartphone as much as you love Santa, we've got a holiday treat in store for you, with a round-up of the 10 coolest red, green and white cases and skins to dress your phone, tablet and laptop this Christmas.

Christmas is less than a month away, and as the days pass, the likelihood of finding a gift for everyone on your list diminishes, right? Wrong.

There are some gifts everyone loves. These days, there isn't a person out there who wouldn't love some sort of gadget or tech-related gift. And, with a quick look into the huge variety of mobile accessories out there, you can easily get through your Christmas shopping and find the right gift for everyone this season.

So Pure Mobile is rounding up the top Christmas gift ideas in mobile accessories and tech for every type – from the sporty to the style-savvy, and even your parents, we've got something that'll make them happy this holiday season.

For the Outdoorsy Athlete: Sony SmartWatch

It's hard to check your phone when you're outside running 5 k every morning. So the jock in your life will probably appreciate a hands-free way to stay connected without interrupting their workout. Enter the Sony SmartWatch.

This high-tech wristwatch works with Bluetooth-enabled Android deices to let the wearer check and control their phone, all from their wrist – an ideal gift for the sporty or outdoorsy type.

For the Smartphone Addict: Glider Gloves

There's at least one phone junkie in your life, and you know by now that rather than try an pry their smartphone out of their hands, it's easier to just enable them with a smartphone-related gift. Make sure they can use their beloved device, no mater what the weather, with a pair of conductive touchscreen gloves that'll let them play with their apps even in the middle of a snowstorm.

for real music lovers, being able to get great audio anywhere is the best gift you could give.

High-end headphones, like a pair from Beats by Dre, or a portable speaker, like the iHome Portable Speaker for Apple devices, will let the music buff in your life enjoy their favorite tunes on the go.

For the Fashion Fiend: Stylish Smartphone Cases for Every Outfit

Choosing a gift for a fashionable friend can be hard, especially when they already tend to treat themselves to whatever tickles their fancy.

Why not give them one more way to accessorize with a selection of stylish cases for their iPhone, Android device, or BlackBerry? A brightly colored, boldly patterned or glamourously sparkling smartphone case, like one of the trendy models from iSkin OtterBox, or Incase, will make the perfect addition to their already extensive wardrobe.

For the Kids: Tablet Creativity from Crayola and Griffin

If it weren't for their price tag and fragility, it might seem tablets were made expressly for children. Kids love laying with iPads and a gift that'll let them do so without damaging the device will score big with the little ones – and their parents.

Griffin and Crayola have partnered for just such a purpose on some products that allow kids to safely interact with tablets, like the Crayola Trace & Draw, and Crayola Color Studio – drawing and coloring tools that will keep the kids busy and the hardware safe.

From cases and covers for iPhone 5 to skins, cases, headsets and more for Android phones – like the Samsung Galaxy line – it's the perfect chance to save huge on the gadgets and accessories that top your holiday shopping list.

The sale covers Apple and Android products, as well as fun gadgets and practical accessories for BlackBerry phones, like keyboard protectors, styluses and pens. You'll also find incredible deals on best-selling and top-rated items from the world's leading accessories makers, like Griffin, Incipio, and OtterBox.

So make the most of your Black Friday and check out our collection of cases and skins, chargers and docks, speakers, headphones, car chargers and holders, BlueTooth kits, and more for up to 70% off on the best mobile accessories around.

They may look like Christmas ornaments in the above pic, but today's pick for mobile accessory of the week, the XMI X-Mini II Capsule Speaker, is probably more fit as a stocking stuffer.

These diminutive pod speakers may be small, but they pack big sound. And since they're compatible with pretty much every laptop, smartphone or media player out there – from iPod and iPhone to BlackBerry and Android handsets – there's a thousand and one uses for them.

XMI's X-Mini II Capsule Speaker is compatible with almost every laptop, media player, or smartphone out there

First is their size. Truly mini, this round little ball of a speaker fits in the palm of your hand and is small enough to easily slip in your pocket.

But don't be fooled. Just one of these babies can produce a nice loud sound that's full and clear. Plus, their Bass Xpansion System will give you top notch bass performance – none of that tinny nonsense you normally get from upping your laptop's volume to the max.

Not to get too personal here, but I've used them in lieu of a sound system at parties and they really do give volume and clarity that rivals a stereo, except you can use them anywhere: in the car, outdoors, whatever.

You can interconnect a bunch of X-Mini II Capsule Speakers for a crazy daisy chain of super volume

Though one X-Mini Capsule Speaker is usually enough, if you're really looking for movie theatre-level volume, they've each got a Buddy Jack, so you can connect a few together to make a crazy daisy chain of sound.

Lastly, we love them because they look as good as they sound. Compact, round and neat, they come in a huge range of colors, from basic black and silver to green, blue, orange, red, pink and even purple.

You could even hang a bunch of red and green ones on your tree this year instead of decorations and see how long it takes for all the pine needles to blow off. We're guessing it wouldn't take long.

Traveling by car has been an American institution practically forever, a rite of passage that every young person has to go through. Good tunes, a road map, and all the time in the world – that much hasn't changed.

But what has changed is that nowadays, we've got our music, maps and more all in the same place. Let's face it, smartphones are now a part of that tradition of hitting the open road and looking for adventure.

And Pure Mobile is rounding up the must-have mobile accessories that'll make your road trip that much easier – nevermind safer – with some of our favorite essentials for long car rides.

1: Car Chargers

Moshi Revolt Car Charger for iPhone, iPad and iPod

No matter what, every road tripper with a smartphone needs a car charger. Even if you're resting between stops, we wouldn't count on waiting for the hotel or motel to charge your device.

In fact, once you get to a rest stop, a dead phone battery isn't such a big deal anyway. It's losing power when you're on the road that's an issue, especially if you get lost.

And if you're traveling with buddies, a universal phone charger, like Dexim's Twin USB Car Charger, will let you charge any kind of phone, from BlackBerry to Android to iPhone. It's even got two ports, so you can charge two devices at the same time.

2. Car Holder/Mount

Griffin In-Car Window Mount for Smartphone or MP3 Player

Back in the day, your dad had your mom to distractingly flap a road map in his face. Nowadays, you have a passenger who waves around their smartphone with a maps app on, or you fumble between the wheel and your own device.

On a long trip, this kind of amateur setup just doesn't cut it, and a simple car window mount or smartphone holder will easily fix all that.

Lots of holders, like Griffin's In-car Window Mount, will work with almost every phone model and even with MP3 players. Do your so-pilot – and yourself – a favor and get one.

3. Bluetooth Car Kit

One quick way to ruin a road trip? Get pulled over for using your phone while driving.

Seriously, if you haven't got a BlueTooth car kit by now, don't you think it's about time? Plantronics and Novero both offer convenient models that'll let you navigate, talk, and listen to music hands-free.

Considering that half the fun of going somewhere by car is the time you spend getting there, you don't really want to waste the trip fumbling with your phone when you could be rolling down the windows and taking in the sights.

Their information comes from Double Helix Cables, where a friend actually had a hands-on experience with the fake accessory. Here's what they had to say:

"Opening up the box and out pops this stinker. I did a double take because it looked like a prank, prop, or placeholder of some sort. The lightning plug on the dock looks like a damn piece of cardboard, if you can even call it that. Because it's a cardboard-like chunk of circuit board that supposedly is going to fit into my iPhone 5."

The reviewer goes on to write about the the fact that dock's cutout "isn't remotely close to being iPhone 5 shaped," and then elaborates on the "home brewed lightning plug [...] which 100% doesn't fit."

A critic of the phoney dock took major issue with its "home brewed lightning plug"

This lovely critique then ends with the writer concluding that any "further effort to make this non functional dock [work] would probably damage my iPhone."

Granted, Apple doesn't actually make a dock accessory for the iPhone 5, yet. But that's no reason for third party manufacturers to start churning out ones that simply don't work.

Many would be more than happy to produce a suitable iPhone 5 dock that actually functions, especially if they don't have to compete with Apple itself. There are plenty of fun third party iPhone 5 gadgets out there that not only work, but work really well.

And, in our opinion, there's no excuse for this kind of blatant BS when so many companies have been able to turn a dollar making affordable and functional iPhone accessories that consumers actually want.